Childhope Philippines welcomes Binibining Pilipinas International 2021 Ms. Hannah Arnold as an Ambassador of Hope, promoting the rights and welfare of children in street situations. She joins Ms. Lovi Poe, Childhope PH’s first Ambassador of Hope, in campaigning for support for street children’s welfare, health, and education.
“I first remember seeing Childhope Philippines on my social media early 2019 and I followed and helped promote some of their educational toolkit fundraisers,” Ms. Arnold said. “Then I received a lovely message from one of their staff running the page asking if I would like to volunteer and it was the perfect timing because I was really looking for somewhere to go lend my time and wanted to do something independently without family or friends so I could really grow from the experience.”
The 26-year-old beauty queen started out as a volunteer for the foundation’s MusiKalye, a project celebrating children’s rights through music, way back in 2019. Since then, Ms. Arnold has been actively involved in various activities and campaigns, devoting much of her time to support the beneficiaries’ activities for learning.
“Musikalye 2019 was my first volunteer experience with Childhope and I am so glad it was my introduction into the beautiful community of Hope they have. I met and saw so many talented children, met dedicated and caring staff, and met many other young volunteers.
“These children are so smart, talented, and also have big dreams that truly can be achieved. From singing to dancing and playing of musical instruments, I realized they have so much dedication and put in so much time and effort with the correct support and tools they were given. It made me see that if more people believe in them, they can really achieve anything and so much more.”
Hannah Arnold’s Personal Campaign for Children’s Literacy
In 2020, Ms. Arnold started her own campaign to encourage the public to donate books to encourage children to read.
“Ever since a young age, my family and I have donated school supplies and other items to our barangay in Masbate, so my advocacy for quality education began there. Furthermore, it was my 18th birthday here in Manila that my parents took me to an orphanage to donate my blessings, share my time with the children, and learn their stories. It was that day that changed everything for me and every year after I tried my best to return and bring joy to the children,” she said.
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On Her Advocacies as Ambassador of Hope
Ms. Arnold is excited to officially be part of Childhope Philippines. Among her plans are promoting readings in school-aged children; bridging partnership with other NGOs to Childhope Philippines to raise awareness about HIV/STI to children and youth; and organizing continuous fundraising initiatives for Childhope Philippines’ Street Education and Protection Program.
“As an advocate for quality education, promoter of science, ambassador of HIV awareness, and Miss International delegate promoting sustainable development goals; I have so much in my mind that I want to bring to the street children,” Ms. Arnold said. “I want to help bring more hope and positivity to their lives.”
Regarding Childhope’s programs in place, she said, “Childhope already has so many ongoing programs that have helped so many children become better citizens and find their place in society, but I want to help bring awareness to other areas such as science and HIV awareness with bigger sponsors and organizations. At the moment, it is most important we promote the tools that students need as they go back to school and from there a lot more can be achieved.”
Ms. Arnold concluded, “All it takes is a simple smile to change the day of a stranger, so imagine the positive change that can be done in their lives if we lend our helping hands, care, and kind words. We can truly change how the future of our community will look, if we work together, listen to each other, uplift one another, and give the gift of hope.”
Ms. Arnold will be competing at the Miss International pageant this December.
“We [at Childhope Philippines] wish her all the luck and blessings for her upcoming competition. Her innate kindness radiates, and that is what inspires our children beneficiaries. With her being part of the Childhope family, we know that the issues of street children will be put at the forefront,” says Dr. Herbert Carpio, Childhope PH Executive Director.
Support Childhope Philippines’ Programs Today
Like Ms. Arnold, you can make a world of difference in children’s lives to ensure they can live a brighter future. Join Childhope Philippines’ advocacy efforts for the betterment of street children. Join our team or make a donation to become the agent of change they need today.